A True Reflection of His Glory

Some people are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. – Shakespeare

The great heroes of Hebrews 11 were noteworthy not for what they did per se, but for their faith in God. Hmm!

However you want to define it – GREATNESS – is expected of us. God made us not to be mediocre, but a true reflection of his glory IN ALL THINGS! Though we may often think and feel no one notices us, our Heavenly Father does. No matter what comes our way today, large or small, we must be up to the challenge of being GREAT. Our greatness will not be measured by humanistic thinking but only in the eyes of Him who wants to one day look at us and say “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” – Psalm 18:35

Observable Servanthood

You can experience a whole lot just by paying attention! - Anon

Jesus came not just to speak God's Word, but to reveal the extent of God's love. WOW!

Object lessons at times are so much more powerful and meaningful than spoken lessons. The objective as seen goes directly into the eyes of the mind and then to the heart. That was Jesus' intention when He washed the disciples' feet. To 'teach' them service comes from a heart of love. It sees a need and is greatly moved, compelled even. to seek out and fulfill it. The lesson itself wasn't so much the actual 'washing' of the feet as it was the 'heart/mind' seeing the need and being unable to restrain itself from acting out of love regardless of the perceived hierarchy. Servanthood is the steppingstone to greatness. Any takers?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...As the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28

A Leadership Mindset

A leader's most powerful ally is his or her own example. - John Wooden

Paul said he became 'whatever' it took to win one to Christ. Wow!

Magic vs. Bird. Steph vs. Lebron. All champions in their own right, but it seems Magic and Steph have a charisma that infected those they played beside with enthusiasm, excitement, and FUN. Our faith should be somewhat like that, so noticeable that it impacts and infects those we're with a good deal of the time. We should live our life and do our jobs as if Jesus were our immediate supervisor (He is). Who we work for and the type of work doesn't really matter, our attitude is what's important, and it's what God looks upon (heart). Each day we should seek the Holy Spirit and ask Him to help us do the job with pleasure, determination, and confidence - this will not only attract others, but also allow us the opportunity to 'infect' them. Not only is it a great feeling, but it leaves the door open for great things to happen, and that's what leaders do, provide opportunities for greatness to enter. Are you in?

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"...Mordecai the Jew was........preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews." - Esther 10:3

The Road to Greatness Lies in Servitude

Do not despise the bottom rungs in the ascent to greatness. – Publilius Syrus

In the Upper Room meeting the disciples all looked for a prominent place to sit, Jesus looked for a place to serve. Hmm!

The measure of greatness in God’s kingdom differs greatly from that of the world. Society idolizes the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, the well-heeled, and those with large followings. The world will estimate your importance by the number of people serving you, but God is more concerned with the number of people you are serving. It takes a far more noble character to serve than to be served, but that’s the heart of God. Opportunities to serve will be great today.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

"Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” – Mark 10:42-44

Do What Lasts

Greatness lies not in trying to be somebody, but in trying to help somebody. – Anon

The greatest thing about Joseph was not in how he came up to be 2nd in command only to Pharaoh, but that he saved a nation and his people. Hmm!

It’s no secret; everybody loves to hear their own name called. It’s refreshing, exhilarating, and exciting to be hailed as someone who did something great and worthwhile. And in our sinful nature we’re taught early on to make something of ourselves. So we set out to make a name, seek status, and grab attention; put ourselves on the plateau that says “look at me!” Now the teaching itself is not bad, it’s just incomplete. We should be taught to make something of ourselves to better mankind, contribute to society, build up the kingdom; not to be seen and heard, but to bring praise to the one we serve –God. If “only what we do for Christ will last,” then that’s really all we should do.

Until tomorrow…

Pastor Botts

“….instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26

Successful Servants

Greatness comes not because of position, but because of purpose. – Richard Murray

David was a great king not because of his many valiant battles and victories, but because he had a heart after God. Hmm!

Ebenezer Scrooge, Howard Hughes. One fictional, one real – both successful and rich – but miserable. Most of us spend our lives chasing after the one job, promotion, person, or possession that we believe will get us the happiness, recognition, and completeness in life we believe we’re missing. But if our forefathers were any indication, success in any of these endeavors did not equate to a happy fulfilled life nor greatness with God. The world values success and its trappings, God values significance. God is not against us having success or material blessings, but He calls us to live a life that places significance of Him and His kingdom above all else. A life lived for success alone is selfish, a life lived for significance is giving. The choice is ours.

Until Monday…

Pastor Botts

“Jesus called the twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.’” – Mark 9:35

Can't Do You

What God called you to do, I can't! - Anon

God could have called anyone to preach to the Ninevites, but only Jonah could get the whole town to repent. Hmm!

Whether it's the bible or a history book, you'll run across the names of people who did great things for humanity's sake. But that being said, history and the world is full of unnamed heroes who were just as important. The reason being is that every individual - and that includes you - has purpose in this life. For us as faithful believers that includes helping to build up and strengthen the kingdom of God. And God has specific things He wants to accomplish through you personally. He has gifted you for it, So neither I, nor anyone else can do it for you. It's your God-given assignment. But know that with God your assignment will always be in line with the greater work He has called the Church - all of us - to do. So, time's a wastin!' Grab your faith and come on.

Until Monday...

Pastor Botts

"....And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" - Esther 4:14

Faithful InThe Little Things

Be not weary in doing little things for the love of God, for He regards not the greatness of the work; but the love with which it was performed. – Brother Laurence

Naaman was cured of his leprosy not because he was someone of great stature, or because he did a great deed; but because he listened to the words of a little servant girl who had faith in her God. Amen!

Nest-eggs grow with disciplined investing. Educational goals are conquered with disciplined study and planning, and so forth. It’s the little things that happen in our lives every day and how we respond to them that determines the success and greatness of our lives. God will never trust you or your character in the great things if you haven’t proven yourself faithful in the small things. No matter how mundane today’s trials may be, remember He is testing us for something greater up the road.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – I Corinthians 15:58

Human Beings Human Doings Humans Helping

Greatness lies not in trying to be somebody, but in trying to help somebody. - Anon

Esther's story is recorded in the bible not because she was the king's wife, but because she wanted to help her people. Hmm!

It's a message we hear very early in life: "I want you to grow up and be somebody." It's the motto of the US Army: 'Be All That You Can Be.' It seems pretty clear cut we're here on this earth to make something of ourselves, and if not we're failing our potential. So we spend a lifetime trying to achieve status, respect, fame, or a name for ourselves; that 'one thing' that will make us stand out from amongst everyone else. But in truth the greatest name we can achieve on this earth is saint (belonging to God), and that name carries with it a requirement of servanthood. Jesus said to be great one has to be a servant. We may not have to 'wash feet,' but we should always be looking for the opportunity to help.

Until tomorrow...

Pastor Botts

"Each of you should not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.....taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness." - Philippians 2:4,5,7

The Desire For Greatness

God has a history of using the insignificant to accomplish the impossible. – R. Exley

Moses, aged and tie-tongued. Gideon, frail and fearful. The apostles, ordinary and unschooled. Though “no threat” by worldly standards they did mighty things for God. Hmm!

As much as we may not want to admit it, truthfully inside of us is the desire for greatness. The desire to make the big play, score the winning points, be the ‘big kahuna’ if you will. The truth of the matter is God wants us to do just that, just not in the way we have in mind. To further the kingdom of God and His Righteousness in any way is to make the big play, score the winning points or be ‘the man.’ The major problem God has with us is getting us out of the way that He may work through us, that others may see His glory being revealed. Remember, it’s not about us.

Until tomorrow….

Pastor Botts

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 18:14

Serving Towards Greatness

Do not despise the bottom rungs in the ascent to greatness. – Publilius Syrus

In the Upper Room meeting the disciples all looked for a prominent place to sit, Jesus looked for a place to serve. Hmm!

The measure of greatness in God’s kingdom differs greatly from that of the world. Society idolizes the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, the well-heeled, and those with large followings. The world will estimate your importance by the number of people serving you, but God is more concerned with the number of people you are serving. It takes a far more noble character to serve than to be served, but that’s the heart of God. Opportunities to serve will be great today.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” – Mark 10:42-44

Today's scripture reading: Proverbs 13

Today's scripture reading question: Why do you think verse 14 is the only one without contrast?

Be Great Today

Some people are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. – Shakespeare

The great heroes of Hebrews 11 were noteworthy not for what they did per se, but for their faith in God. Hmm!

However you want to define it – GREATNESS – is expected of us. God made us not to be mediocre, but a true reflection of his glory IN ALL THINGS! Though we may often think and feel no one notices us, our Heavenly Father does. No matter what comes our way today, large or small, we must be up to the challenge of being GREAT. Our greatness will not be measured by humanistic thinking but only in the eyes of Him who wants to one day look at us and say “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Until tomorrow…...

Pastor Botts

“You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” – Psalm 18:35

Love in the Little Tests

Be not weary in doing little things for the love of God, for He regards not the greatness of the work; but the love with which it was performed. – Brother Laurence

Naaman was cured of his leprosy not because he was someone of great stature, or because he did a great deed; but because he listened to the words of a little servant girl who had faith in her God. Amen!

Nest-eggs grow with disciplined investing. Educational goals are conquered with disciplined study and planning, and so forth. It’s the little things that happen in our lives everyday and how we respond to them that determines the success and greatness of our lives. God will never trust you or your character in the great things if you haven’t proven yourself faithful in the small things. No matter how mundane today’s trials may be, remember He is testing us for something greater up the road.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” – I Corinthians 15:58

Success or Significance

Greatness comes not because of position, but because of purpose. – R. Murray

David was a great king not because of his many valiant battles and victories, but because he had a heart after God. Hmm!

Ebenezer Scrooge, Howard Hughes. One fictional, one real – both successful and rich – but miserable. Most of us spend our lives chasing after the one job, promotion, person, or possession that we believe will get us the happiness, recognition, and completeness in life we believe we’re missing. But if our forefathers were any indication, success in any of these endeavors did not equate to a happy fulfilled life nor greatness with God. The world values success and its trappings, God values significance. God is not against us having success or material blessings, but He calls us to live a life that places significance of Him and His kingdom above all else. A life lived for success alone is selfish, a life lived for significance is giving. The choice is ours.

Until tomorrow…..

Pastor Botts

“Jesus called the twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.’” – Mark 9:35

That Helping Hand

Greatness lies not in trying to be somebody, but in trying to help somebody. - Anon

Esther's story is recorded in the bible not because she was the king's wife, but because she wanted to help her people. Hmm!

It's a message we hear very early in life: "I want you to grow up and be somebody." It's the motto of the US Army: 'Be All That You Can Be.' It seems pretty clear cut we're here on this earth to make something of ourselves, and if not we're failing our potential. So we spend a lifetime trying to achieve status, respect, fame, or a name for ourselves; that 'one thing' that will make us stand out from amongst everyone else. But in truth the greatest name we can achieve on this earth is saint (belonging to God), and that name carries with it a requirement of servanthood. Jesus said to be great one has to be a servant. We may not have to 'wash feet,' but we should always be looking for the opportunity to help.

Until tomorrow......

Pastor Botts

"Each of you should not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.....taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness." - Philippians 2:4,5,7

Being Great

Some people are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. -Shakespeare

The great heroes of Hebrews 11 were noteworthy not for what they did per se, but for their faith in God. Hmm!

However you want to define it -GREATNESS – is expected of us. God made us not to be mediocre, but a true reflection of his glory IN ALL THINGS! Though we may often think and feel no one notices us, our Heavenly Father does. No matter what comes our way today, large or small, we must be up to the challenge of being GREAT. Our greatness will not be measured by humanistic thinking but only in the eyes of Him who wants to one day look at us and say “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Until tomorrow…...

Pastor Botts

“You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” – Psalm 18:35

Better for the Greater Good!

Greatness lies not in trying to be somebody, but in trying to help somebody. – Anon

The greatest thing about Joseph was not in how he came up to be 2nd in command only to Pharaoh, but that he saved a nation and his people. Hmm!

It’s no secret; everybody loves to hear their own name called. It’s refreshing, exhilarating, and exciting to be hailed as someone who did something great and worthwhile. And in our sinful nature we’re taught early on to make something of ourselves. So we set out to make a name, seek status, and grab attention; put ourselves on the plateau that says “look at me!” Now the teaching itself is not bad, it’s just incomplete. We should be taught to make something of ourselves to better mankind, contribute to society, build up the kingdom; not to be seen and heard, but to bring praise to the one we serve –God. If “only what we do for Christ will last,” then that’s really all we should do.

Until tomorrow……

Pastor Botts

“….instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26